Power distribution systems and associated methods

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to power distribution systems and associated methods. In specific examples, the present invention may be applied to use in a vehicle (e.g., an automobile; a truck; a boat; an airplane; a helicopter; a military vehicle).

1. A power distribution center for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a bulkhead separating an engine compartment from a passenger compartment, comprising:
 a connector plate; 
 a first seal; 
 a mounting ring, wherein the mounting ring comprises a first face and a second face, wherein the mounting ring removably mates with the connector plate such that the first seal is disposed between the connector plate and the first face of the mounting ring to provide a seal between the connector plate and the first face of the mounting ring; and 
 an adhesive, wherein the adhesive is disposed on the second face of the mounting ring; 
 wherein the mounting ring is attached via the adhesive ring to the bulkhead; 
 wherein the bulkhead has at least one hole therethrough; and 
 wherein the mounting ring is attached via the adhesive to the bulkhead at a position such that the mounting ring encloses a perimeter of the hole in the bulkhead. 
 
     
     
       2. The power distribution center of  claim 1 , wherein the first seal is disposed along an entire length of the first face of the mounting ring. 
     
     
       3. The power distribution center of  claim 2 , wherein the seal provided by the first seal is a weather-tight seal. 
     
     
       4. The power distribution center of  claim 3 , wherein the first seal comprises silicone. 
     
     
       5. The power distribution center of  claim 4 , wherein the first seal is applied between the connector plate and the first face of the mounting ring as a flexible solid ring. 
     
     
       6. The power distribution center of  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive provides a seal between the bulkhead and the second face of the mounting ring. 
     
     
       7. The power distribution center of  claim 6 , wherein the adhesive is disposed along an entire length of the second face of the mounting ring. 
     
     
       8. The power distribution center of  claim 7 , wherein the seal provided by the adhesive is a weather-tight seal. 
     
     
       9. The power distribution center of  claim 8 , wherein the adhesive comprises double sided tape. 
     
     
       10. The power distribution center of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting ring is permanently attached via the adhesive to the bulkhead. 
     
     
       11. The power distribution center of  claim 1 , wherein the power distribution center further comprises, for passing at least one electrical connection through the hole in the bulkhead, at least one of: (a) at least one connector; (b) at least one hard wired connection; and (c) at least one bolted-on connection. 
     
     
       12. The power distribution center of  claim 11 , wherein the power distribution center further comprises, for passing a plurality of electrical connections through the hole in the bulkhead, at least one of: (a) a plurality of connectors; (b) a plurality of hard wired connections; and (c) a plurality of bolted-on connections. 
     
     
       13. The power distribution center of  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of electrical connections are passed through the hole in the bulkhead at positions such that the plurality of electrical connections are inside of the first seal, the mounting ring and the adhesive. 
     
     
       14. The power distribution center of  claim 1 , wherein the power distribution center further comprises at least one of: (a) at least one mounting lug for mounting the power distribution center to the bulkhead by using at least one mechanical fastener; and (b) at least one snap-fit mechanism. 
     
     
       15. A power distribution center for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a bulkhead separating an engine compartment from a passenger compartment, comprising:
 a connector plate; 
 a first seal; 
 a mounting ring, wherein the mounting ring comprises a first face and a second face, wherein the mounting ring removably mates with the connector plate such that the first seal is disposed between the connector plate and the first face of the mounting ring to provide a seal between the connector plate and the first face of the mounting ring; 
 an adhesive, wherein the adhesive is disposed on the second face of the mounting ring; 
 a plurality of connectors for passing a plurality of electrical connections through at least one hole in the bulkhead; and 
 a plurality of mounting lugs for mounting the power distribution center to the bulkhead by using a respective plurality of mechanical fasteners; 
 wherein the mounting ring is attached via the adhesive to the bulkhead; 
 wherein the mounting ring is attached via the adhesive to the bulkhead at a position such that the mounting ring encloses a perimeter of the hole in the bulkhead; 
 wherein the first seal is disposed along an entire length of the first face of the mounting ring; 
 wherein the seal provided by the first seal is a weather-tight seal; 
 wherein the first seal comprises silicone; 
 wherein the adhesive provides a seal between the bulkhead and the second face of the mounting ring; 
 wherein the adhesive is disposed along an entire length of the second face of the mounting ring; 
 wherein the seal provided by the adhesive is a weather-tight seal; 
 wherein the adhesive comprises double sided tape; 
 wherein the mounting ring is permanently attached via the adhesive to the bulkhead; and 
 wherein the plurality of electrical connections are passed through the hole in the bulkhead at positions such that the plurality of electrical connections are inside of the first seal, the mounting ring and the adhesive.